PACE Preschool Program

PACE Program

Elkhart Community Schools’ PACE (Preschool Assisting Children’s Education) Program is public service available to children aged 3-5 who may be in need of special services. The early years of child development are critical to future success, and PACE aims to provide early intervention that can help children successfully grow and further their education. Children eligible for the PACE Program have a wide range of degree of needs from very mild speech delays to extreme developmental delays. Services provided by PACE can be provided in a community preschool, a special education preschool or in a home environment, depending on the type of services needed. PACE is a free program that can help prepare children for a school setting.

A team of professionals that includes the parents, a social worker, an early childhood special education teacher, a psychologist, a speech/language pathologist, an occupational therapist and other specialists as needed, can meet to assess your child. The team works together using a variety of assessment instruments to determine your child’s skills and abilities in all development areas: gross motor, fine motor, social, cognitive and language. The parents will meet with the team during a Case Conference to review the information and to determine if your child is eligible for services. If eligible, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is written. The IEP outlines your child’s strengths, weaknesses, goals and services needed.

Children who are served through the PACE Program include those with the following special needs:

Autism

Communication Disorders

Developmental Delays

Dual Sensory Impairment

Emotional Disabilities

Hearing Impairment

Learning Disabilities

Mental Handicaps

Multiple Handicaps

Orthopedic Impairments

Other Health Impairments

Speech Delays

Traumatic Brain Injury

Visual Impairment

For additional information on the PACE Program, contact PACE’s Dean of Students at 574-262-5833.

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About ECS

Elkhart Community Schools is a district that serves approximately 13,000 students, and is known for high-quality programs, exceptional teachers, superior learning environments, and strong parental and community support.

Whether you were born in the area or you are looking to call Elkhart County your new home, we welcome the opportunity for you and your family to become part of our growing school family.